A novel carbon nanotube electrode material derived from carbon dioxide has been demonstrated to enhance the cyclability of sodium-ion batteries.

Studies conducted by Titirici Group, a multidisciplinary research team based at Imperial College London, documented 93.75% capacity retention with the new material after exceeding 4,000 charge and dischargeUse of the electrode material enhances battery performance and helps to mitigate the environmental impact of carbon emissions. Source: Titirici Group cycles. By contrast, currently available batteries are depleted after just 800 cycles while experiencing a significant reduction in capacity. The electrode material produced by Estonian nanotech company UP Catalyst also exhibits excellent stability and improved energy density, making it a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage applications.

The technology could enable sodium-ion batteries technology to approach and exceed the performance of lithium-ion batteries at a much lower cost and higher efficiency and safety levels. UP Catalyst uses a molten salt carbon capture and electrochemical transformation method to reprocess the CO₂-rich flue gases from industrial emitters, biogenic origin and direct air captured CO₂. From every 3.7 tons of the gas collected, one ton of carbon material is produced.